FocusThe twelve and the hungry crowd
Connection to the wholeThe disciples are sent to preach and heal; their return leads into Jesus' provision for the multitude.
interpretation Luke 9:16
KJVThen he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
Read it in context
Mission and provision
Start reading at Luke 9:1 (Luke 9:1 to Luke 9:17).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The disciples are sent to preach and heal; their return leads into Jesus' provision for the multitude.
- 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
- 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
- 9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
- 9:4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.
- 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
- 9:6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.
- 9:7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;
- 9:8 And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.
- 9:9 And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
- 9:10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
- 9:11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
- 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
- 9:13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.
- 9:14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
- 9:15 And they did so, and made them all sit down.
- 9:16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
- 9:17 And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 9:1–9:62): Jesus commissions the twelve, feeds the crowd, and teaches His disciples. Peter, John, and James witness the transfiguration; other encounters involve a father, his son, and prospective followers. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Mission and provision. Read Luke 9:1 through Luke 9:17 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The disciples are sent to preach and heal; their return leads into Jesus' provision for the multitude. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Mission and provision (Luke 9:1 to Luke 9:17). Start reading at Luke 9:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 9:1, Luke 9:17, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
Feeding the five thousand
Parallel accounts
This is distinct from the feeding of the four thousand.
Related passages
- and looking Ps 121:1-2 Mark 7:34
- he blessed Luke 22:19 Luke 24:30 Matt 15:36 John 6:11,23 Acts 27:35 Rom 14:6 1 Cor 10:30 1 Cor 11:24
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 9
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
Identity, suffering, and glory
Luke 9:18–36FocusThe Christ and His path
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by teaching on the cross and the transfiguration, holding Jesus' glory and suffering together.
interpretation Misunderstanding among disciples
Luke 9:37–50FocusDependence and humility
Connection to the wholeThe afflicted child and disputes among disciples expose their need for faith, humility, and a less possessive view of ministry.
interpretation The journey turns toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–62FocusResolve and costly following
Connection to the wholeJesus sets His face toward Jerusalem and corrects responses that misunderstand either His mission or the priority of following Him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.